Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur Rajasthan

Udaipur, India

Our readers say: “A real-life jewel on Lake Pichola,” this eighteenth-century palace is a sweep of courtyards, corridors, and pavilions inlaid with stone, gilt molding, and mirrors. Guests reach the four-acre, man-made island via private boat and are then transferred to rooms with hand-painted motifs, mosaics, silk bolsters, swings, and stained glass. “We had a beautiful view of the maharaja’s palace on the shore.” Formal attire is required at the rooftop Bhairo, but it’s worth it: “If you want to have a decent steak in India, the rooftop restaurant is the place.” Wood-fired Rajasthani specialties are served at Neel Kamal.